In the World Cup semi-finals on Wednesday, Morocco, a World Cup history-maker, faces France. Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, lies in wait after another stunning performance from the diminutive magician.
On Tuesday, the Copa America champions defeated Croatia, the 2018 World Cup champions, 3-0, giving the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner the opportunity to celebrate his career in style.
Reigning champs France knows triumph against shock package Morocco would leave them only one win away from turning into the first group in quite a while to safeguard the prize effectively. France, led by Didier Deschamps, are strong favorites to win at the Al Bayt Stadium, but they will be up against a team that has only given up once all the way to the semifinals.
Hugo Lloris, captain of France, is determined to prevent a team that has become accustomed to competing at the top of tournaments from exhibiting signs of complacency.
Deschamps’ team is getting close to winning their third World Cup in seven tournaments, but they should be aware that no team has won the World Cup since Brazil’s Pele’s team did so in 1962.
Against a formidable Morocco team, the world champions are unlikely to have it all their own way.
They topped a group containing Croatia and Belgium prior to beating Spain on punishments and afterward dumping Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal out of the competition.
Morocco first African team to reach a World Cup
Morocco is the first Arab nation and the first African team to reach a World Cup semi-final.The fact that France was the colonial power of Morocco and that the country is home to more than a million Moroccans will give the game an extra kick.
The overwhelming support from fans throughout the Arab world and in the stadium will be their not-so-secret weapon on Wednesday.
Deschamps stated, “There is a popular fervor behind them.” My players have been warned that it will be very loud. They are prepared for anything.”
Walid Regragui, Morocco’s coach, was born near Paris and spent most of his playing career in the French league. He believes that his team has become the favorite of the neutral crowd.
However, he insists that his team is not just there to fill in the numbers.
Brazil, the tournament’s best team, has already been eliminated.
On Tuesday, Messi beat Croatia on a penalty kick in the first half to tie France’s Kylian Mbappe for the lead in goals scored with five.
With the help of two fortunate bounces, Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez broke through the middle and doubled Argentina’s lead shortly before the break.
Messi then, at that point, created a snapshot of sorcery in the 69th moment to set up Alvarez for his second, which killed the game and set up the 35-year-old for one more shot at history after he experienced a severe loss to Germany in 2014 last.
“Again, Argentina has reached the World Cup final. Have fun!” the great Argentinean said.
“We’ve been through difficult, but also very good, times. We’re going through something amazing today.”